Set in a small town ranch, the one with cowboys, LOST AND LASSOED is the latest in the Rebel Blue Ranch series of books by the author. I haven't read any previous books, though it's fair to say these can be read as standalone.
In LOST AND LASSOED, we meet Teddy and Gus, this is their love story, from annoying each other to falling hard for one another. This is a best friend's brother, found family kind of vibes. Teddy's family is her father ever since she was born and he got a job at Gus's father's ranch.
Teddy has been best friends with Clementine since she was a baby and gets on well with most of her family except her brother August. They both annoy each other and have barbed comments flying whenever they are in close proximity. He's a single father wishing for more with a partner and she is at a point in life, in her mid-20s where she's feeling lost and in a rut.
This is their story of being lost separately, coming together unwillingly and then falling hard for each other.
What I liked -
The banter between Teddy and Gus, the way she annoyed Gus made him feel on the edge, conflicted amidst his almost hatred and attraction towards Teddy.
This dynamic between the two is what kept me engaged and turning the pages.
Family is an important part of the characters and it is reflected in their actions and choices. The love, strength and bonds shine through the story.
Teddy making sense of her current situation, going through emotions of rejection, not being needed, feeling stuck, and wanting things she doesn't feel deserving of. All of it makes for a relatable character one I liked and enjoyed.
If you are looking for a fun, flirty, a bit sweet and a beautiful love story, pick up a copy and spend some time on a cowboy ranch with Teddy and Gus.
She thrives in chaos. He prefers routine. The only thing they have in common? How much they hate each other.
From the bestselling author of Done and Dusted and Swift and Saddled, the highly anticipated next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance in which enemies turn to lovers when they're forced to work together during one hot summer.
Teddy Andersen doesn’t have a plan. She’s never needed one before. She’s always been more of a go with the flow type of girl, but for some reason, the flow doesn’t seem to be going her way this time.
Her favorite vintage suede jacket has a hole in it, her sewing machine is broken, and her best friend just got engaged. Suddenly, everything feels like it’s starting to change. Teddy’s used to being a leader, but now she feels like she’s getting left behind, wondering if life in the small town she loves is enough for her anymore.
Gus Ryder has a lot on his plate. He doesn’t know what’s harder: taking care of his family’s 8,000 acre ranch, or parenting his spunky six-year-old daughter, who is staying with him for the summer. Gus has always been the dependable one, but when his workload starts to overwhelm him, he has to admit that he can’t manage everything on his own. He needs help.
His little sister’s best friend, the woman he can’t stand, is not who he had in mind. But when no one else can step in, Teddy's the only option he’s got. Teddy decides to use the summer to try and figure out what she wants out of life. Gus, on the other hand, starts to worry that he’ll never find what he needs.
Tempers flare, tension builds, and for the first time ever, Gus and Teddy start to see each other in a different light. As new feelings start to simmer below the surface, they must decide whether or not to act on them. Can they keep things cool? Or will both of them get burned?